Rick Howard was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. At the age of seventeen, he made a pivotal move to California, where his skateboarding journey really took off.

Rick quickly caught the attention of sponsors. In 1988, he secured sponsorship deals with Blockhead Skateboards and Gullwing Trucks.

In 1989, Rick Howard featured in Blockhead’s video “Splendid Eye Torture,” marking his first full-length part. His unique style and impressive combos set him apart.

Then, in 1991, Howard joined Plan B Skateboards, becoming a key team member. His video parts in the classic skateboard videos “Questionable” (1992) and “Virtual Reality” (1993) showcased his technical skills on a skateboard and distinctive flair.

Alongside fellow skater Mike Carroll, Rick co-founded Girl Skateboards while on tour. The brand gained immense popularity, and Rick’s influence extended beyond skating. They later added Lakai Limited Footwear to their impressive roster.

Rick Howard was known for his powerful lines and adaptability. His standout tricks included crooked grinds, stylish manuals, and creative combos.

Rick’s skating wasn’t just about tricks; it was an art form. Skate videos like “Mouse” (1996) from Girl Skateboards and “Fully Flared” (2007) from Lakai showcased not only his skills but also the artistic vision behind the videos.

Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the success of Girl Skateboards, Lakai, and other ventures. He played a crucial role in shaping the skateboarding industry and also earned the title of a “skater’s skater.” His influence extended beyond tricks; it was about style, creativity, and authenticity.

Rick Howard Skateboard Videos:

Rick Howard - Questionable Skateboard Video

"The impact of Plan B's 1992 vid can't be overstated. Rick contributed to the legend with his tech ledge work and deep bag of tricks. Cairo Foster introduces a classic."

"Rick Howard skating to Neds atomic dustbin, best combo ever ...it has been found."

"In my little corner of the world, it's still 1992 - I've got the baggy pants, the slow moving, low to the ground skating, the (switch) nosesliding tricks, and hardly anyone to skate with, because mine is a tracksuit 'n scooter dominated yob town. And lest anyone call me 'hipster', I'm not - I'm just old, bust still love skateboarding. My way. Big ups to Rick and all the OG skate heads."

"What's great about this part is that it provides the historical context that allows skaters like myself to appreciate skateboarding for what it truly is, an artistic movement. It's easy to lose sight of that today, but in this video, you can see what was really going on in that era: guys on skateboards trying to create something original. Art. This was before there was big money to be made, so the drive was still pure, and that's what comes shining through in this video part."

"Ah, 1992. When wheels were small, trousers were big, and flips were pressure."

Rick Howard: Virtual Reality Skateboard Video

"Fakie blindside 240 to crookedgrind. This part made me fall in love with Rick Howard. So ahead of his time."

"Yo, that would be a good video part if it came out today."

Rick Howard: Return of the Flare Skateboard Video

"A remix of Rick Howard's web footage from 2013–2017.

Edit: Daniel Policelli - @danielpolicelli

Guest clips featuring Mike Carroll, Tony Ferguson, Justin Eldridge, Danny Brady, Stevie Perez, and Mark Gonzales."

"nobody has as much fun as Rick on a board while still being ridiculously good."

"Makes me miss the old Plan B days in high school. I also miss skateboarding."

"Rick Howard is so tight footy made me want to skate even more."